Governing Bodies
On June 16, 16 host cities are confirmed for World Cup 2026
A significant milestone on the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 was reached 16 June as the 16 host cities that are due to stage matches at the first edition of football’s showpiece to feature 48 teams were unveiled by FIFA
Los Angeles and Vancouver have been announced among the 16 host cities for the World Cup in 2026.
The globe is currently gearing up for the 2022 edition in Qatar this winter – the first World Cup to be held outside of its usual summer window. In four years time though the competition will again in the summer and be played across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
A joint bid by the three North American countries, which was put forward under the name ’United’, saw off a proposal from Morocco, winning over two-thirds of the vote, back in 2018. The United bid commanded 134 of the 203 delegates eligible to vote at the 68th annual FIFA congress.
Along with LA and Vancouver, the cities of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houson, Kansas, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver will all host action in the 2026.
11 of the host cities named are in the USA, with three in Mexico and two in Canada. The likes of Cincinnati, D.C., Denver, Edmonton, Nashville, Orlando were all candidates to host games but failed to make the cut.
The USA, Mexico and Canada were separated into western, central and eastern regions to ensure the competition was spread right across the vast area. The World Cup in 2026 will be the first to include 48 teams – up from its current 32 – with the tournament expanding. Mexico will also be the first country to be three-time hosts after being the venue back in 1970 and 1986.
Upon winning the bid Carlos Cordeiro, the president of US Soccer, told the FIFA congress: “It’s a bit emotional for us today. Thank you so, so very much for this incredible honour. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The beautiful game transcends borders and cultures. Football today is the only victor. And in that spirit we wish all Russian hosts and all the teams competing here the very best of luck.”
America hosted the World Cup back in 1994. England were not present at that competition after failing to qualify. Brazil eventually triumphed, seeing off Italy in a penalty shootout at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
The full list of venues is as follows:
Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium: 74,295 capacity)
Boston (Gillette Stadium: 65,878 capacity
Dallas (AT&T Stadium: 80,000 capacity)
Guadalajara (Estadio Akron: 46,355 capacity)
Houston (NRG Stadium: 72,220 capacity)
Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium: 76,416 capacity)
Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium: 70,000 capacity)
Mexico City (Estadio Azteco: 87,523 capacity)
Miami (Hard Rock Stadium: 65,326 capacity)
Monterrey (Estadio BBVA: 51,000 capacity)
New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium: 82,500 capacity)
Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field: 67,594 capacity)
San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium: 68,500 capacity)
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
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